today's farm november/december 2012

Avoiding back painThe Teagasc Beef ManualTransferring the family farmDonegal: a difficult year for tillageForestry: Planning to plant?Botanic GardensAnd more……

November - December 2012 Volume 23 Number 6

Drainage: worth looking into?Drainage: worth looking into?

11,594_TODAY Farm final NOV _Layout 1 01/11/2012 16:54

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Today’s farm | November/December | 3

contents

The Teagasc Beef Manual

Mark MooreEditor,Today’s Farm

COMMENT

Today’s farm is a bi-monthly publication produced in a joint venture between Teagasc and the Agricultural Trust, publishers of the Irish Farmers Journal and The Irish Field.

Editor: Mark Moore | Editorial team: Alison Maloney, Joanne Carroll, Eric Donald Chief sub-editor: Leslie Horgan | Sub-editors: Regina Horan, Garrett Allen, Rosie McCormackCover design: Design at DBA | Imaging: Owen McGauley Printing: Boylan Print Group, Drogheda, Co Louth | Advertising: Frank McGouranAll Media Matters (01) 4941071 086-8111567 [email protected]

All editorial enquiries to: Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow Tel: (059) 9170200 Fax: (059) 9183498e-mail: [email protected] | web: www.teagasc.ie

The publishers do not accept responsibility for any private and trade advertisements or advertising insertions included in this publication. Occasional reference in this magazine to trade names and proprietary products may be inevitable. No endorsement of named products is intended, nor is any criticism implied of similar products which are not mentioned.

Cover caption | Any good drainage job starts

establish the root of the problem. See pages 9 to 16.

BVD CAMPAIGN

17 On 1 January 2013 the National BVD Eradication Programme will begin. John

Donworth provides the details

In this edition we are unashamedly plugging the Teagasc Beef Manual. More farmers are involved in beef production than any other single farm

national economy is huge in terms of output and employment.

The beef manual covers all aspects of production, from choosing a system to managing soils, and much more. The manual is laid out in an easy to use, question and answer, format on tear-proof, waterproof paper for real world conditions.

Most importantly, we believe it can

about any beef farm. Read about the

Teagasc clients, the manual is an unbeatable investment in your beef enterprise. Contact your local Teagasc

Ag tionscnamh LámhleabharMairteola TeagascSan eagrán seo tá bolscaireacht gan náire á dhéanamh againn ar Lám-hleabhar Mairteola Teagasc. Tá níos mó feirmeoirí páirteach i dtáirgeadh mairteola ná aon fhiontar feirme ar leith eile agus tá a shuntas don gheil-leagar náisiúnta suntasach go maith i dtéarmaí aschuir agus fostaíochta araon.

Clúdaíonn an Lámhleabhar Mairteola na gnéithe uile de chuid táirgeadh mairteola – ón gcóras a roghnú chuig airgead a dhéanamh ón eallach a gceannaítear isteach go pórú, cothú, sláinte ainmhíoch, mairteoil déiríochta, bainistiú ithreach agus go leor eile nach iad. Tá an lámhleabhar leagtha amach ar bhonn éasca le húsáid, i bhfoirm ceisteanna agus freagraí ar pháipéar do-stracaithe le haghaidh coinníollacha an domhain iarbhír. Ar an mbonn is tábhachtaí creidimid gur féidir leis tionchar dearfach a bheith aige ar bhrabúsacht ar feirm mhairteola ar bith. Léigh a thuilleadh faoin lámhleabhar ó leathanach 22; ar

Teagasc, is infheistíocht gan staonadh é id’ fhiontar mairteola.

4-5 Etc pages

Upcoming events6 Conferences, lectures, courses

Drainage

Dairying17 BVD – let’s stamp it out18 Scales tip the balance20 Discussion groups buzzing with ideas

Drystock22 The Teagasc Beef Manual26 Lameness in sheep

Farm Management27 Passing on the family farm30 Avoiding back pain

Environment32 Our abundant fauna

Tillage34 A review of 2012 in Donegal

Forestry36 Planning to plant?

Botanic Gardens38 Plants for Christmas

4 | Today’s farm | November/December 2012

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NewTeagasc centre opens in BallymoteThe newly extended and renovated Teagasc advisory and education centre in Ballymote, Co Sligo, was

chairman Dr Noel Cawley said:

He added: These changes have all

isation has, with the sanction and

Nationally, Teagasc has rationalised

units from 26 a few years ago to 12

tion services in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are managed as a single

the headquarters for this region

studying agriculture continues to

transferring technical messages has

Advisory and Education Centre in Ballymote. Included are Ben Wilkinson, acting regional man-ager for Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal, Teagasc chairman Dr Noel Cawley, Teagasc Director Prof Gerry Boyle and Cllr Tony McLoughlin.

Food solutions for weight management

tional food ingredients for weight

Teagasc runs an active research

of the areas of interest to Teagasc

ents that can target

BOOKREVIEW

A Review (Dublin NaturalistsField Club, 2012)

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Today’s farm | November/December 2012 | 5

Available

– Sean Sheehan

Joint study on rural suicide prevention

Support

Only a small proportion of farm-

business, according to the results of Teagasc research.

Expanding the farm business or securing an off-farm job are the main economic strategies pre-ferred by farmers, claims Teagasc researcher David Meredith.

“Less than 2% of farmers are currently operating a diversi-

majority of these businesses are tourism-related.

“Under the National Rural Devel-opment Programme 2007-2013, grant aid of €16 million is avail-

tion and create rural jobs.“To date, there have been 365

applications for projects involving €18.5m investment and potential

grant aid of €10 million. Up to the end of 2011, grant-aid of almost €3 million was awarded to 113 projects. This investment has supported the creation of 116 full-time job equivalents.”

He added: “The limited success

sures over almost two decades to encourage more farm house-holds to develop alternative farm enterprises demonstrates the importance of understanding the response of individual farmers to policy measures.

“In the current context of the need for employment creation and limited public funds, it is impor-tant that policy makers identify what motivates farmers to engage with new schemes to ensure their success.”


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mupcoming events

TEAGASC NATIONAL DAIRY CONFERENCES

Tuesday, 20th November 2012 Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co Kerry

Wednesday, 21st November 2012 Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co

Westmeath

The 2012 Teagasc National Dairy Con-ferences will take place on Tuesday 20th November in Tralee and Wednes-day 21st November in Mullingar. Both conferences will feature Teagasc and invited speakers delivering papers on topics based on the theme: ‘Is Ireland ready for more milk?’

Areas addressed will include: With a growing world population,

increasing urbanisation and scarcity of natural resources for food produc-tion, there is a growing demand for food. But what do these trends mean for Irish milk producers? Are we ready to avail of the oppor-

tunities presented? There are many challenges to be faced by individual farmers, and the overall industry, in growing the Irish dairy sector. For example, is the service/support sector prepared for the challenges ahead? Many of these challenges have been encountered by the four farms

programme and other farmers can learn from their experiences.Milk quota abolition in 2015 will lead

to land becoming the new limiting factor on milk production. Grass growth and utilisation will determine

driven by stocking rate on the milk-ing platform. So what stocking rate is appropriate for your farm? What fac-

carrying capacity? The weather conditions of 2012

made grassland management very dif-

‘grassland management blueprint’

The second in the series of science lectures on the growing challenges of sustainability meeting the food secu-rity needs of the world will take place on Tuesday 27th November. The event is hosted by Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, and is in association with the Royal Dublin Society (RDS)

UPCOMING EVENTS IN BRIEF04 December Dairy Discussion Group Innovation

Competition ACCBank, Teagasc, Irish Farmers Journal, ICBF See also pages 20-21.

Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly

05 December National AgriEnvironment Conference Farmleigh, Dublin

06 DecemberConference

Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny

10 December Review and outlook of agricultural mar-kets and farm income

Davenport Hotel, Dublin. For details, contact [email protected]

The topic up for discussion is: ‘Will we run out of the natural resources needed for food production?’

Dominique van der Mensbrugghe, who will deliver the lecture, is the senior economist and team leader of the Global Perspectives studies team at the Food and Agriculture organ-isation of the United Nations (FAO).

soils while adhering to the principles of good grassland management.

AHI CellCheck has conducted

of mastitis/SCC to Irish dairy herds at approximately €100 per cow. They are now in the process of rolling out training workshops to farmers, using a multi-disciplinary approach, to tackle high SCCs.

With opportunity comes risk. Price risk, the risk of poor prices or bad weather, the risk of personal injury all have to be assessed and man-aged. Tools are available to reduce your exposure to risk; more will be developed. With an ageing dairy farmer population, it is vital that new recruits are encouraged to join the

ranks of Irish dairy farmers. Successfully integrating a younger

family member into a developing fam-ily dairy farm is possible but requires excellent communication between the older and younger generation.

These conferences will challenge farmers to reach for these opportuni-

dairy farm businesses. Pre-booking is essential for the

conferences. Registration is by email to [email protected] or phone to 025 42664. Please note these

Programme (DEP) approved events for discussion group members. For queries please see www.teagasc.ie/events or contact Roisin Condon at 025 42664.

LECTURE SERIES AT THE RDS:

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t: 069-65311f: 069-65537 e: [email protected]

Contact us or your local Co-op/merchant today:

www.premiermolasses.ie

Molasses feeds, with their highnutrient density, are ideal complimentsto either forage or grain based dietsthrough their role in increasing theutilisation of nutrients in the rumenand improving feed intake.

OLD REMEDIES ARE BEST!ENERGYFEEDS Cane Molasses

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PROTEINFEEDS

Eco-MaizeCost-effectivehigh proteinfeed.Dry Matter: 60%Protein: 34% DM

Nutri-MixCombines highquality sugars withvaluable protein.Dry Matter: 61%Protein: 27% DM Sugars: 33% DM

Hi-Pro 50Provides a good balance ofenergy and protein withexcellent palatability.Dry Matter: 67.5%Protein: 21.5% DM Sugars: 42% DM

Great VALUE in Molasses Liquids to Sweeten Up Your Silage and Feed


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mupcoming events

PROGRAMME

Contact

Fri 9 November

Meath/Louth/ Dublin/Kildare/Laois

Traditional Orchard

Colin Finnegan 046-9021792

Mon 12 November

Wicklow Traditional Orchard

Bob Sherriff0404-38171

Tues 13 November

Wexford Traditional Orchard

Peadar Finn051-426430

Thurs 15 November

Cork East Traditional Orchard

Sharon O’Mahoney 021-4631898

Fri 16 November

Mayo Traditional Orchard

Austin Callaghan 094-9372335

TEAGASC REPS 4 COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT COURSES

Now that mandatory REPS 4 courses have been completed, all farmers in REPS 4 may attend a second optional

will receive €85. Teagasc has developed new coun-

tryside management courses on a range of topics. Farmers who joined REPS 4 in 2008 must complete their

optional course by the end of 2012, while those who joined in 2009 must complete their courses by the end of 2013.

These new courses differ from the original general REPS courses as each course addresses one issue such as watercourses and includes an indoor and outdoor session. Farmers may attend any course of interest throughout the country. In asso-ciation with Teagasc and a range of organisations, REPS 4 courses for the rest of the year are listed below:

YOUNG EQUINE BREEDERS PROGRAMME

09 December, Teagasc, Grange

The ISH Young Breeders programme is a joint programme between Horse Sport Ireland and Teagasc, who are delighted to announce that Con-nolly’s Red Mills will partner the programme for 2013. The programme is aimed at those aged 14-25 (in 2013) years who are interested in assess-ing, exhibiting, and breeding per-formance horses. 2013 will see the hosting of both National and World Championship competitions.

The Nationals will take place at Kildalton Agricutural College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny on April 20th. The World Championships are in Sweden from July 12th-14th. To en-sure that participants are adequately prepared for competition, a compre-hensive training programme is in place preceding competition.

The programme will be launched at Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co Meath on December 9th. An interactive pan-el discussion will take place on the day with all trainers for the season. These include Tiernan Gill; Philip Scott; Maurice Coleman; Andrew Hughes; Clement McMahon; Jack Doyle and Comdt. John Ledingham.

Young people aged 14-25 years are welcome. For more information or to pre-book, contact Wendy Conlon on 087 9879083/[email protected]. €10 per person is payable on the day. Group discount for pony clubs, schools, and colleges etc. is available.

Teagasc will provide courses in equine marketing for beginners, equine skills (handling, lungeing and loose schooling) and equine repro-duction in spring 2013. For further details on these courses please contact Declan McArdle 087 6831876 [email protected] or Wendy Conlon.

Teagasc has developed new countryside management courses on a range of topics.

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drainage

Pat Tuohy, Owen Fenton & James Humphreys, Teagasc, Crops, Environment & Land Use Programme

Almost half of the agricultural land in Ireland would ben-

or drainage; in some counties, the percentage is higher.

Drainage can be a worthwhile alter-native to buying land but only if the scheme is well designed and imple-mented and the extra income stream generated more than covers the costs.

Choosing a systemPoor drainage has three main causes:

low hydraulic conductivity (water moving slowly through the soil); high water-table, and seepage and springs.

-tailed investigation into the causes of poor drainage using test pits.There are two main types of drain-

age systems: a groundwater drain-age system and a shallow drainage system. The design of the system depends on the drainage characteris-tics of the soil.If there is a soil layer (at a workable

easily, a piped drain system is likely to be effective at this depth. If no such layer is found, you must improve the water carrying capacity of the soil. This involves moling, gravel moling or subsoiling in tandem with collector drains.Drainage system outlets and out-

falls must always be maintained to

systems.

Causes of poor drainageDrainage problems in Ireland are largely due to our complex geological and glacial history.

Glacial processes led to the for-mation of rolling and undulating landscapes, made up of haphazardly sorted rock and soil materials.

Layers of varying texture and com-position have the effect of irregularly

to movement, impeding drainage.

transmitting groundwater over large areas with resulting seepages and springs on lower ground.

The rate at which water moves through a soil, hydraulic conductiv-

ity, varies enormously, depending on the soil type and management. Open, gravelly, soils have a capacity for wa-

of times that of compacted heavy clay.In free draining soils the rate

through the soil is always greater than that being supplied by rainfall. In poorly drained soils the rate of

-tration at the soil surface due to: Low hydraulic conductivity in the

subsoil (or a layer of the subsoil)High watertable due to low lying

outfallUpward movement of water from

seepage and springs

Objectives of land drainageTo achieve effective drainage, any works will have to solve one or more of these problems, and possibly a com-bination of all three. The objective of any form of land drainage is to lower the watertable, providing better condi-tions for grass growth and utilisation.

A controlled watertable promotes deeper rooting which improves sward productivity. It also improves load-bearing capacity of the soil and lessens the damage caused by grazing and machinery.

Next page

The objective of any form of land drainage is to lower the watertable, providing better conditions for grass growth and utilisation.


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mdrainage

When planning any drainage programme, the potential of the land to be drained should be assessed to determine if the costs incurred will result in an economic return through additional yield and utilisation of the grass or other crops grown.

Careful thought is also needed when deciding the most appropriate part of the farm to drain. From a man-agement point of view it is better to drain land which is nearer to the farmyard and work outwards. How-ever, site investigations may be the best guide as to where you will get the best return on your money.

Drainage investigationsKnowledge of previous drainage schemes in the area, and their effec-tiveness, will often provide an insight into the causes of poor drainage. A number of test pits (at least 2.5m deep) should be dug within the area to be drained. The test pits should be in areas that are representative of the area as a whole. As the test pits are dug, the faces of the pits should be studied, soil type established and the rate and depth of water seepage into the test pit (if any) recorded.

Visible cracking, areas of looser soil and rooting depth should be noted as these can convey important informa-tion regarding the drainage status of the different layers. The depth and type of the drain to be installed will depend on the interpretation of the characteristics revealed by the test pits.

Types of drainage systemThere are two principle types of drainage system:

– a network of piped drains establishing a deep drainage base in the soil.

– these

Test pit excavation.

Drainage trench excavation.

are used where soil is clayey (heavy) -

peded at all depths.

Groundwater drainage system

from the faces of the test pit walls, indicates that layers of high hydrau-lic conductivity are present. Under these circumstances the use of a piped drainage system is advised. The installation of a piped drain at

removal of groundwater, assuming a suitable outfall is available.

Conventional piped drains at 0.8m to 1.5m below ground level (BGL) have been successful where they encounter layers of high hydraulic conductivity. However, where layers with high hy-draulic conductivity are deeper than this, deep drains are required.

Deep piped drains are usually installed at 1.5m to 2.5m deep and at spacings of 15m to 50m, depending on the slope of the land and the hydrau-lic conductivity and thickness of the drainage layer. Piped drains should always be installed across the slope to intercept as much groundwater as possible, with open drains and main piped drains running in the direction of maximum slope.

Due to the risk of drain collapse, deep drains are normally excavated with a tracked digger, with a special deep-drain trapezoidal bucket with a bottom width of about 200mm. For small jobs, a 300mm or similar sized bucket may be used, but the side walls must be well battered (sloped) to avoid cave-ins.

to install, they are very cost effec-tive as so few are required. Where groundwater seepage and springs are

drains are most effective in or on the aquifer (layer transmitting groundwa-

breakthrough). This issue is very site

Clean aggregate should to be used to surround the land-drain pipe in conventional and deep drains. The

depth of 300mm from the bottom of the drain to cover the pipe. The stone should provide maximum connec-tivity to a layer of high hydraulic conductivity.

The purpose of a drain pipe is to of-fer a path of least resistance for water

than 30m), a drain pipe is vital to

-ity to cater for the water volume col-lected. Only short drain lengths (less than 30m, or the upstream 30m of any drain) are capable of operating at full

Shallow drainage systems

water at any depth, a shallow drain-age system is required. These soils that have no obvious permeable layer and very low hydraulic conductivity

Shallow drainage systems are those that aim to improve the capacity of the soil to transmit water; these in-clude mole drainage and gravel mole drainage. The aim of these drainage techniques is to improve hydraulic conductivity by fracturing and crack-ing the soil and to form a network of closely spaced channels.

Mole drainage is suited to soils with a high clay content which form stable channels. Mole drains are formed with a mole plough comprised of a torpedo-like cylindrical foot attached

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Leg fissures

Mole channel

Expander

Foot

45o

to a narrow leg, followed by a slightly larger diameter cylindrical expander.

The foot and trailing expander form the mole channel while the leg creates a narrow slot that extends from the soil surface down to the mole channel depth. The success of mole drainage depends on the formation of cracks in the soil that radiate from the tip of the mole plough at shallow depths as the soil is displaced forwards, side-ways and upwards.

Below a critical depth, dependent on soil mechanical strength and mole

-wards and sideways, bringing about compaction at the foot of the plough. Thus the action of the mole plough

ABOVE: Mole plough showing cylindrical foot and expander.

RIGHT: Cracking and channel formation.

Adjustable for depth

Skid on ground

Mole channel ExpanderMole 7.5cm diameter produces circular channel

Blade

Coulter

To tractor linkage

ABOVE: Gravel Mole plough showing hopper.

RIGHT: Mole ploughing showing intersection with a piped collector drain.

creates both a zone of increased hydraulic conductivity adjacent to the mole leg (shallower depths) and a channel for water conveyance and

The effectiveness of mole drains de-pends on the extent of suitable crack-ing during installation. The ideal time for carrying out mole drainage is during dry summer conditions; this will cause maximum cracking in the upper soil layers as well as facilitating adequate traction, preventing wheel-spin on the surface.

principles as ordinary mole drains but are required where an ordinary mole will not remain open for long enough to make it economical. This is the case in unstable soils having lower clay content.

The mole channel is formed in a similar manner but the channel is

the channel walls.The gravel mole plough carries a

hopper which has an hydraulically

of gravel; the gravel chute also has an adjustable door which regulates the height of gravel in the mole channel.

During the operation, the hopper is

conveyor from an adjacent gravel cart.

size of gravel aggregate to ensure that they function properly.

Washed aggregate within a 10mm to 20mm range should be used.

Subsoiling is used effectively where an iron pan or cemented layer im-pedes drainage. The effect is to break the layer and crack the soil. A stable outlet channel will not be formed.

Collector drains, which are installed across the slope at 0.75m BGL, are required for all mole drains.

Depending on the topography and slope, the collector drains will be at a spacing of 10m to 60m. A larger spacing reduces costs but results in a higher chance of failure.

Next page

When planning any drainage pro-gramme, the poten-tial of the land to be drained should be

assessed to determine if the costs incurred will result in an economic return through additional yield and utilisa-tion of the grass or other crops grown

“



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mdrainage

The mole drains are drawn at right angles to the collectors (upslope), at spacings of 1.0m to 1.5m and at a depth of approximately 0.4m to 0.5m.

to ensure interconnection with the mole channels.

Outfalls and maintenanceEvery drainage scheme is only as good as its outfall. Cleaning and upgrading of open drains acting as outfalls from land drains is important in any drainage scheme. Before begin-ning land drainage, the proposed outfall should be assessed and, where necessary, upgraded.

Open drains, running in the direc-tion of maximum slope, should be established to as great a depth as pos-sible. This will maximise the potential for land drainage, with associated

where suitable, can be spread over the

should not impede surface run-off to the watercourse. Unsuitable spoil should be buried and covered with topsoil or removed to waste ground.

When a drainage scheme has been completed, the layout should be drawn and noted on a farm map. This map can then be used as a guide when maintaining the works, as well as providing a record of the works.

Land drain outlets should be regularly cleaned and maintained, especially if open drains are cleaned/upgraded, as this may result in block-ages at the drain outlet. The use of a concrete or unperforated plastic pipe over the end of the drain pipe, minimum 1.0m in length, will protect the outlet from damage and will make locating and maintaining it easier.

The cost of drainage works will vary depending on such factors as soil type, site access, extent of open

stone and experience with drainage works, among other factors. Costs

to a particular job. Table 1 provides guidelines only. Cost for the provision of open drains is not included.

Where a shallow drainage system is considered, the price will de-

pend largely on the collector drains required. If an existing drainage system of closely spaced piped drains is already in place at the appropriate depth BGL, it may be possible to pull mole drains through this existing network or from an existing open drains. In this case mole drainage can be very cost effective.

Where a collector system needs to be installed, the total cost will be higher.

It is vital that the selection of a drainage system for a particular site is not decided on the basis of cost. An effective drainage system should be designed and costed and then a decision made as to whether or not to proceed.Drainage System Drain Spacing

(m)Depth (m) Cost/m (€) Cost/Ac (€) Cost/ha

(€)

Table 1: Approximate costs of land drainage

Groundwater drainage systems

Conventional System

8 0.8 - 1.5 5-7 2,500-3,500 6,200to 8,600

Deep Drainage 15 - 50 1.5 - 2.5 9-11 1,500-2,500 3,700to 6,200

Shallow drainage systems

Mole Drainage 1 - 1.5 0.45 - 0.6 - 50 125

Gravel Mole Drainage

1 - 1.5 0.35 - 0.5 - 600 1480

Collector Drains 20 0.75 5-7 1,000-1,400 2,500to 3,500

Collector Drains 40 0.75 5-7 500-700 1,200to 1,700

Collector Drains 60 0.75 5-7 350-450 800to 1,150

KEY POINTS

High excess rainfall and a complex geological and glacial history mean that there is enormous potential for developing our land resources through effective land drainage.

Farmers considering drainage should be sure that they and their advisers/contractors have investi-gated the underlying causes of the drainage problems and design and implement appropriate drainage systems.

Drainage is costly and the potential returns should be carefully as-sessed.

age problem.

Costs will be unique to each situation, always get several quotes


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Drainage success in north KerryIn some places, farmers have what

is called ‘boys’ land’ – ground so easy and forgiving that even

‘young lads’ could farm it. Michael and Donal Keane, who farm in part-nership at Drumurrin, Lisselton,

have ‘boys’ land’.These successful dairy producers

are farming a layer of peaty soil on top of virtually impermeable clay; like a sponge sitting on a saucer. Almost 1.3 metres of rain falls on

that the peat is riddled with bog oak, which Donal has spent numerous hours removing with a digger, and you’ll understand why local Teagasc adviser John Paul Lenihan says their achievement borders on the heroic.

taking,” said Michael “But you don’t mind doing it when you know you’ll

to the parlour so improving them is a priority. We drained and reseeded over four hectares in 2011 at a cost of €16,000 and we intend to continue a programme of drainage over the next number of years.”

The Keanes plan to expand from 75 cows to about 100 on their 56 hectares, which are split into the main milk-ing block of 34ha, and the remaining outside block of 22ha.

David Trant, also of the Teagasc

clay layer below the peat creates an impermeable barrier for water to percolate downwards and causes (at certain times) rising groundwater to appear as springs and seepages in areas where the impermeable layer is thinner or more fractured,” he said.

Water from two directionsDavid Trant has worked closely with Michael and Donal over many years to gradually understand and counteract the drainage problems on their farm.He said: “The Keane farm has been drained over the years with (spaced) drains put in to ‘lower the water table’

also been sited to deal with springs and seepages where necessary. These drains are critical to stop the water from underneath ‘bursting upwards’,

percolate down into this drainage system.”

He added: “Farmers on these soils must be exceptionally careful to avoid compaction by machinery or damage due to poorly timed application of farmyard manure. Donal and Michael are part of the Teagasc heavy soils

management of these exceptionally

To page 16

KEY TIPS

Do not roll land or work soil unless it’s dry.

Low ground pressure tyres, spread-ing load (double wheels), good grips

large diameter tyre will roll out of a rut much easier than a smaller tyre; wider rim widths and treading will also give more potential for the tyre to revolve. Silage trailer tyre pressures of up to 60psi mean that the side walls of the tyre have to be stiff whereas lower

ible sidewall (carcase), thus reducing damage.

Using on/off grazing and backfencing reduces damage and there is also po-tential for zero grazing to be employed

zero grazers are better again.

should be checked and freed where necessary. When cleaning ditches (dykes/gripes), ‘basting’ or ‘smoothing’ the side walls of the ditch (while look-ing better) probably impedes drain-age, especially in clayey sites.

Subsoiling, etc, works best under dry conditions (shattering effect on soil).

Liming will also improve soil structure in clay soils.

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Michael and Donal Keane, who farm in partnership at Drumur-rin, Lisselton,Listowel, Co Kerry. In the background is a huge


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mdrainage

Approximate costsHire of a track digger is approxi-mately €50/hour or €450 to €500/day and stone is €12/tonne plus VAT. A 100m roll of 3” pipe is about €70 plus VAT and general drainage costs for remedial land drainage works, not including reseeding, are often around €500 to €800 per acre.

Subsoiling, moling and aerating cost between €60 and €120 per acre. Gravel moling is much more expensive. Full drainage, including gravel moling, can be in excess of €1,500/acre.

Michael and Donal Keane with Teagasc advisers John Paul Lenihan and David Trant.

Teagasc heavy soils dairy programmeAbout 30% of the milk produced in Ireland originates from farms classi-

Farms in Clare, Limerick, Tipper-ary, Kerry and Cork are participat-ing in the Teagasc heavy soils dairy

technologies will be evaluated and demonstrated.

The new programme will explore and communicate the most cost effec-

intensive advisory and research initiatives.

drainage trials will be an integral part of the programme.

The programme is a collaborative project between Kerry Agribusi-ness, Dairygold, Tipperary Co-op and research and advisory personnel from Teagasc.

To date, seven farms, including Mi-chael and Donal Keane, have agreed to participate in the programme.

Over the course of the summer of 2012 all farms were visited to establish soil type, grass utilisation challenges and possible drainage solutions.

This involved having an excavator on site to dig a number of test holes on each farm.

“Farmers are always fascinated by

not only management of land but also

Teagasc, one of the programme co-ordinators.

any drainage system must be robust,” says dairy heavy soils programme manager James O’Loughlin. “That involves not only the drainage itself but, also, like Michael and Donal Ke-ane having good farm infrastructure — farm roads, drinking points, etc.”

A 100m roll of 3” pipe is about €70 plus VAT and gener-al drainage costs for remedial land drain-

age works, not including reseeding, are often around €500 to €800 per acre

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dairying

BVDLet’s stamp it out!On 1 January 2013 the National BVD Eradication Programme will begin. This was a voluntary pro-gramme in 2012; for 2013 it’s law, writes JohnDonworth, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme

The key points are:All calves born from 1 January 2013

must be tested for BVD.Only calves that test negative can be

sold.Where a persistently infected (PI)

calf is found, the mother of that calf must also be tested to establish her BVD status.

Why should we have a NationalBVD Eradication Programme?It is critical to protect our export trade in livestock as well as all our other exports.

BVD is estimated to cost Irish farm-ers €102 million a year and there are

nical barriers to eradication.In the voluntary phase of the

programme in 2012, the majority of farmers used the separate ear notch button tag as a means of collecting tissue samples from calves. This will not be the case in 2013.

order form from Mullinahone Co-op, you will receive two tags for each calf, as before, but now one of the tags

will be specially adapted to collect a tissue punch during the normal tagging process. You may need a new applicator.

The fact that the tissue sample can now be collected when tagging the calf with the National ID tag should ensure smoother operation at farm level. You will have one less tag to insert into the calf ’s ear than in 2012.

How can you avoid having problemsin the spring of 2013?The one major requirement is that you order your calf tags on time. Don’t leave it until late January/Feb-ruary. Time is critical here.

If you have a virus positive calf, this

that it is PI rather than transiently infected (TI), but this test should not be done until three to four weeks later.

Nearly 21% of calves that had an initial virus positive result in the voluntary phase in 2012 were negative on re-test, consistent with their being transiently infected. Tagging as soon

as possible after birth will minimise the number of TI animals detected. Samples should be submitted to the

testing laboratory as soon as possible after collection, but certainly within seven days. As part of their designa-tion for testing, the laboratories have given a commitment to return 95% of

99% within 10 working days.Two other important points: your

mobile phone number is a critical part of the jigsaw. ICBF will use this to report your results by text mes-sage, ensuring that you get results as quickly as possible.

If you wish to nominate your vet-erinary practitioner to have access to your results from ICBF, you will be able to do this when ordering tags.

Where a persistently infected (PI) calf is found, the mother of that calf must also be tested to establish her BVD status.


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mdairying

Mature cow liveweight 580Birth month February

Enter weight and birth month in boxes below

Holstein-Friesian (HF) 580NZ/Br Friesian 550Norwegian RedxHF 580JerseyxHF 545Jersey 490

Examples

Scales tip the balanceRegularly weighing heif-ers greatly improves the chances of calving at two years old

Teagasc Moorepark researchers put the true cost of rearing a heifer from birth to two years

at a whopping €1,500. If the heifer doesn’t meet growth and development

put at risk. A poorly managed heifer may calve late, leading to reduced lifetime fertility, lower milk yield per day of life and reduced longevity in the herd.

Regular weighing and comparing progress with targets is the only way to be sure that animals are on track. Accurately judging the weight of a

often the scales can deliver an unwel-

come surprise, as a Monaghan dairy discussion group recently discovered.

“A cousin of mine lent me a portable scales and I used it to weigh my heif-ers before a discussion group meet-ing,” said Seamus Duffy, a member of the Lough Egish Dairy Discussion Group who farms near Ballybay.

Judging the weightIt was Seamus’s turn to host and he brought the list of weights and tag numbers to the October meeting. Judging the weight of each heifer by

terest and leg-pulling as each member took a turn at estimating a particu-lar animal’s weight before Seamus

“It was a shock how much you can be out by,” said Thomas Wilson. “In the group we had a range of up to 50kg in the estimates of a heifer’s weight and none of us was getting all of the animals correct.”

Michael Murtagh added: “It was

clear that two animals can look quite

weight. Some animals were lighter than any of us estimated. But, like the camera, the scales don’t lie, and it’s the only way to really know where the heifer is in terms of body weight.”

All members of the group aim to have heifers calving by 24 months. The Teagasc hand-out for the meeting included compelling statistics on a late calver’s longevity in a herd (see Table 2).

“To have heifers calve successfully at two years they need to meet weight targets right through from birth to

group facilitator and Teagasc adviser

that there are still too many heifers calving at up to 30 months or more.”

Francis Courtney said: “It’s clear that late calvers don’t last in the herd.

of only one in three late calvers still

Trevor Dunwoody and host farmer Seamus Duffy discuss heifer weights on Seamus’s farm near Ballybay, Co Monaghan.

Teagasc adviser Trevor Dunwoody (left) with members of the Lough Egish Dairy Discussion Group on the farm of Seamus Duffy near Bal-lybay, Co Monaghan (from left): Seamus Duffy, James Meehan, Paddy Marron, Thomas Wilson, Francis Courtney, Eoin McCabe, Seamus Courtney, Peader Quinn, Michael Murtagh and Terry Lennon.

Months old

Month Weight kg

% mature liveweight

3 May 116 204 June 135 235 July 155 276 August 174 307 September 193 338 October 213 379 November 232 4010 December 251 4311 January 271 4712 February 290 5013 March 309 5314 April 329 5715 May 348 6016 June 367 6317 July 387 6718 August 406 7019 September 425 7320 October 445 7721 November 464 8022 December 483 8323 January 503 8724 February 522 90

Table 1: Calf target weights: 24-month calving

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Table 2: Heifer production and fertility performance at a range of calving agesCalving age (months) 22-23 24-25 26-28 32-36Pre-calving weight (kg) 591 621 625 769Calving assistance (%) 17 17 27 67Weight loss post calving (kg) 32 26 06 59

86 62 41 3325,031 20,395 16,671 8,02948 42 38 18

you have a higher culling rate, you need to rear more heifers. That’s a

Dunwoody emphasised the need for heifers to make steady progress and that managing the winter period is particularly important.

and once they are housed, the level

very poor quality silage (DMD 55%)

-

attention and feeding until they are

grass is the most nutritious feed of all and heifers should get out to grass as

“Heifers will do well on fresh grass -

satory growth to allow animals to

-

a good plane of nutrition throughout

Targets for 24-month calvingMaggie Gould of Volac spoke at the recent Teagasc liquid milk conference in Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford,

where heifer rearing is not given the

on colostrum and then follow along the growth and development track to

She added: “You want the heifer to

increases up to the third cycle after

service.

With a scales -

if you got two or three heifers to calve down at the right time as a result of regular weighing, the scales would

said Trevor Dunwoody.Seamus Duffy said: “The scales

certainly take the guesswork out of it, and there is huge scope for farmers to

are also offering a service to weigh

“The

of weigh-

-

-ing


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Discussion groups Tom O’Dwyer, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme

Early in 2012, Teagasc, ICBF, the Irish Farmers Journal and AC-CBank launched a new, project-

based competition for dairy discus-sion groups. Many groups rose to the challenge and developed practical

well as generating great ideas, taking part has strengthened bonds between group members.

Ten discussion groups have been shortlisted from the initial applica-

tions. These groups have developed their project proposals through 2012

Tullamore in early December.-

ted from taking on a project in 2012; it provided a focus for the year, increased group interaction/activ-ity and generated an opportunity to tackle a key issue.

Other discussion groups may wish

or develop their own projects. Talk to your group facilitator now

and identify a suitable project for your group.

Discussion group Navan, Co MeathGroup chairman John McGuinnessGroup facilitator Matt RyanProject title Managing stressProject objective(s) To identify the key triggers of stress in dairy farmers.So far… The group has conducted a week-long survey on three occasions

during the year to build up a picture of the ‘stressors’ members are ex-periencing. The group (with some outside help) will identify measures to reduce the risk of stress and hope to highlight the issue of stress/mental health for dairy farmers.

Discussion group Kilkenny Progressive FarmersGroup chairman Joe TreacyGroup facilitator Pat MoylanProject title Farm assessment and progress monitor worksheetProject objective(s) To design and develop a farm evaluation and recommendation sheet

for use on host farms during a discussion group meeting. Once de-veloped, the worksheet would be used at each group meeting to give better, written, feedback to the host farmer on farm performance.

So far… The group have used a draft worksheet at each of their group meetings in 2012. Changes and improvements have been incorporated. Issues addressed on the assessment sheet include young stock, milk pro-

discussion is now more focused.

Discussion group Crookstown, Macroom, Co Cork Group chairman Jerome DesmondGroup facilitator Seamus Lordan/ John MaherProject title Genomic selection for female fertilityProject objective(s)

use this information to identify cows/replacements with superior female fertility.

So far… All replacements have been weighed and genomically tested. The farmers have ranked their replacements (based on existing knowledge) prior to genomic testing and the results were compared. The fertility of the oldest cows in each herd has been examined with a view to identi-fying highly fertile cow families. The group hope to show that genomic testing is a superior method to subjective opinion in identifying the

Discussion group Birr, West OffalyGroup chairman Brendan McGarryGroup facilitator Jim MoylesProject title Operation LifesaverProject objective(s) To increase awareness of health and safety among group members

working environment.So far… At the outset, only three members had completed a Farm Safety

statement for their farm. In an effort to address this, health and safety has featured at each group meeting in 2012. Each group member has logged onto the HSA website, www.farmsafely.com, and has com-pleted one of nine parts of the online risk assessment tool in advance of each meeting. The group has built up a ‘case study’ of ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures from members’ farms to highlight improvements made.

Crookstown

Fermoy

Grassmasters

Birr

Dunkerrin

Clonakilty

Ten discussion groups have been shortlisted from the initial applications, These groups have developed their project proposals through 2012 and will present their

early December

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buzzing with ideas

Discussion group Forge, Fermoy, Co CorkGroup chairman Donald BatemanGroup facilitator Brendan HoranProject title Forge GeneticsProject objective(s) To identify high EBI bulls in our herds and to realise their potential.So far… A new company called Forge Genetics has been established to sell

high genetic merit bull calves, sourced on group members’ farms.

best calf rearing system, examining the option of semen collection from bulls and broadening the genetic base from which bulls can be purchased.

Discussion group Grassmasters, Skibbereen, Co CorkGroup chairmanGroup facilitatorProject title To design a smartphone app which provides real time information on

the value of milk solids.Project objective(s) To identify the most useful data available from co-ops/ ICBF and de-

velop a benchmarking tool to allow farmers to compare performance.So far…

as the key performance indicator. A pilot survey indicated a differ-ence of €3 per day in the value of milk solids sold between members.

The group are working on automating this process to give real time information to each farmer.

Discussion group Gorey, Co WexfordGroup chairman Alan PooleGroup facilitator Kay O’ConnellProject title Herd health plan templateProject objective(s) To increase the awareness of herd health and to develop a herd health

template for group members.So far… At the outset of the project, only one group member had a written herd

health plan. The group started with a ‘skeletal’ herd health plan which -

ings have helped members to discuss and agree actions on different diseases and animal health issues.

Discussion group Clonakilty, Co CorkGroup chairman Tommy O’RiordanGroup facilitator Seamus O’DowdProject titleProject objective(s) To identify potential labour saving changes. So far… Each group member has completed a timesheet for one day each

week since the start of the year. Variations are emerging in the time

farmers within the group, and looking at how they do things, will help

Discussion groupGroup chairman P.J. BoylanGroup facilitator Trevor DunwoodyProject title Pairs for ProgressProject objective(s)

So far… The cost of herd infertility was estimated by each group member for

-ditional meetings). Each visit focused on herd fertility – condition scor-ing, grassland management, examining records, etc. Better decisions and follow through resulted.

Discussion group Dunkerrin, South OffalyGroup chairman Eoin TooheyGroup facilitatorProject title Operation Cost ControlProject objective(s)

group members.So far…

Training was provided on the use of the Cost Control Planner to record all money in and out on a monthly basis. Sub-groups were formed – the ‘strongest’ group members on IT and cost control acted as team

six months was reviewed mid-year.

Kilkenny Progressive Farmers

Navan

Fanesiders

Gorey

Other discussion groups may wish to adopt some of their

develop their own projects. Talk to your group facilitator now and identify a suitable project for your group

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mdrystock

Teagasc launch new beef manualOver the next three pages we have reproduced chap-ter 17 from the Teagasc Beef Manual. The aim is to give Today’s farm readers

the manual

Both the Teagasc Dairy Manual and the Teagasc Beef Manual

Issues affecting the beef industry

Breeding

Nutrition

it easy to ‘navigate’; in

Built for real world conditionsThe Teagasc Beef Manual is

World class contributors

there are

advisers in virtually all counties

Style and layoutOur intention for both the dairy and

Direct input from frontline Teagasc advisers in virtually all counties ensured that the material

included in the manuals is both comprehensive and focused on practical issues for farmers

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mdrystock

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msheep

Understanding the cause ensures the correct method of control, writes Tom Coll, Drystock, Business & Technology Adviser, Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal

L

Table 1

EIGHT-POINT PLAN

Fusobacterium necrophorum

Dichelobacter nodosus,

Recommendation

Type of Lesion % of lame sheepFootrot 41%Scald 32 %Shelly hoof 9 %Overgrown hoof 5 %Toe Abcess 4 %Toe Granuloma 3 %CODD (Contagiousovine digital dermatitis)

2 %

Other 4 %

Table 1: Main causes of lameness

Routine footbathing, and having the facilities to carry out this management procedure correctly, are key to scald control.

Lameness in sheep

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farm management

Careful planning can reduce stress for all concerned

Fintan PhelanTeagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme

In Ireland, the norm has been for farms to be passed onto the next generation after the death of the

owner. In recent times, social and economic changes have resulted in more transfers taking place during the owner’s lifetime. This is a very personal decision and options include: transfer by succession (lifetime), inheritance (on death) or in a stepped approach using a partnership type of model.

for any parent, whatever the circum-stances.

However, it can be even more dif-

through illness or the sudden death of the owner.

It is important for every land owner to make a considered decision on the future ownership of the farm business, so that their wishes can be

carried out. By not making a decision, you are ensuring that your assets will be divided using the rules of intestacy.

Where someone dies ‘Intestate’, the farm will be divided among next of kin.

This often results in family disputes and the result may be the break up of the farm business.

Seminars Teagasc recently hosted a series of seminars around the country, entitled ‘Transferring the Family Farm’. The purpose of these seminars was to in-form participants about key issues to be taken into account when planning a transfer and to outline the impor-tance of careful planning.

Transferring the family farm is more than just a simple business transaction. There are a number of complex issues to be addressed, including:The fact that the family home is nor-

mally inseparable from the business.A number of family members/sib-

lings/children must be ‘catered for’ fairly.If the transfer is during the owner’s

lifetime, both the owner and the recipient may need to draw an income from the land.

An arrangement will need to be created, which respects the differ-ent opinions of the family members involved Taxation rules will need to be com-

plied with.

emotional effect on all concerned.

Increased interest There is a lot of interest in the area of succession and inheritance recently due to developments, such as changes in the tax code aimed at promoting earlier transfer of the farm business. Also, agricultural asset values are believed to be bottoming out, so now is seen to be a good time to transfer, as

cantly in recent years.There are increased numbers of

students on agricultural courses in colleges. Many of these are looking to farming as a career and are interested in taking on land.

With many young farmers planning

years, farm partnerships between parents and children need to be regu-larised, so the farm can get access to credit to fund expansion.

Continues page 28

Transferring the FAMILY FARM


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mfarm management

The common message from all of the speakers at the meetings was the absolute need to have a plan for the transfer of the farm. It may be that your plan is to complete a lifetime transfer or to leave the transfer un-til after death.

Whatever your plan is, you should ensure you are in-formed about the implications by consulting with professional ad-visers in relation to the legal and tax aspects before coming to your own decision.

Increasingly, more farmers are setting up family partnerships as an interim measure before land is transferred — this might be

one part of your transfer plan. This can allow the existing farmer to take some pressure off while giving the younger person the opportunity to be involved in running the farm while learning about the business.

When transferring land, there are three relevant taxes for life time trans-fer:

Stamp DutyCapital Gains Tax

(CGT)Capital Acquisitions

Tax (CAT).If land is received

as inheritance only one of these taxes applies:

Capital Acquisi-tions Tax.

For each of these taxes, there are generous reliefs available that are

relevant to farmers.

This tax is due on the lifetime transfer of land. The current rate is 2% of the market value of the land. An auction-eer should be employed to value the assets. This needs to be a fair valu-ation as it is open to challenge later by Revenue. The person receiving or purchasing the land is liable. For certain categories of related

people, the tax is reduced by half to 1%.There is also a relief for young

trained farmers receiving the land (or purchasing the land) before their 35th birthday. In this case, there is no stamp duty charged, but the recipi-ent must spend 50% of their normal working time farming the land for the

The individual disposing of the asset is liable for this tax. The market value of the land is used to assess the tax liability and this is used even if the land is gifted to a child free of charge. The current rate of tax is 30% on any gain in value since receiving the land.There is an allowance called ‘in-

dexation relief ’, which increases the initial value and enhancement ex-

The family discussion should take place early and be planned. It should not take place by the bedside of a dying parent.

a professional mediator will help solve

Meet your solicitor and prepare a

should be updated every few years as the tax laws and family circumstances

be prepared even though you may de-cide not to transfer the farm until such time as a family agreement is reached.

you should seek help from experts. You should consult with your Teagasc adviser in relation to the agricultural aspects. Your solicitor can assist you on how to complete your will and any of

the legal aspects of land transfer.Your tax adviser or accountant can

advise you on the taxation implications of any proposed transfer.

have a complex family decision and you should contact the Department of Social Protection in relation to your pen-sion entitlements.

Good advice will make the task less daunting.

P. L. A. N.P = Preparation:

Organise your thoughts and have a discussion as early as

possible with the family. An open conversation is required with all those involved so that misunderstandings are

avoided.

L = Legacy:

Plan how the ‘farm’ is going to be passed on. From both a

tax and a legal point of view, early planning is the key to reducing potential costs.

A = Action:

Make appointments with the professional experts

you require to make in-formed decisions.

N = Now:

This is the time to get this item off the “to do” list,

government policy could change

coming budgets. If your decision is delayed, it may be more

wishes in the future.

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Tax-free thresholds (capital acquisitions tax)

Group A €250,000

Group B €33,208

Group C €16,604

To view the presentations made at the Teagasc ‘Transferring the Farm’ seminars use a Smart-phone on the above symbol or go to www.Tea-gasc.ie/Publi-cations and select event proceedings.

penses of the asset to allow for some

The main relief is retirement relief, which can allow a full relief from the tax when transferring the land to a child if the land was owned and farmed for the previous 10 years and

There are some exceptions to this rule, which will allow farmers renting out land as part of the Early Retire-ment Scheme and others to avail of

be sought with regard to your own

Capital acquisitions tax This tax is paid by the person receiv-

ing the land whether by lifetime

rate is 30% on amounts above your tax

There are three rates of threshold A, B and C — the relevant threshold depends on the relationship between the transferor and the transferee (Table 1

The most relevant relief here is

recipients whose total agricultural as-sets after receipt of the gift or inheri-tance make up 80% or greater or their

test’, the value of the agricultural asset they are receiving is reduced by

So, a person qualifying could receive

would be reduced by 90% to €250,000

relief is business asset relief, which may be useful if you don’t meet the

As stated previously, availing of the current tax reliefs will affect the tim-ing of a decision to transfer but you must also take account of the other

This article has given a broad view of the tax rules involved in land trans-

and it is important that each farmer gets good advice well in advance of

There are increased numbers of students on agricultural courses in colleges. Many of these are looking to farming as a career and are interested in taking on land.


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mfarm management

John McNamara, Teagasc

Aoife Osbourne*

It’s astonishing that no one had ever attempted to systematically establish the extent of WMSDs

in farming in Ireland until Aoife Os-borne, a PhD student at Teagasc Oak Park, conducted a survey in associa-tion with the National Farm Survey (NFS) of a nationally representative sample of 1,110 farmers and a further survey of 600 farmers into the preva-lence, risk factors and consequences of WMSDs in farming.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal sys-tem such as the back, muscle, bone, ligament and tendon problems which can be traced to the work you do, or did in the past.

They can be the result of a one-off injury or repetitive motion, excessive force, awkward or sustained postures, prolonged sitting and standing in the course of your work.

Worryingly commonIn the NFS survey, almost one in 10 farmers reported having had a WMSD in the 12 months prior to the survey.

This equates to over 9,000 farmers nationally, in a single year! Lower back (31%), knee (15%) and hip 12% were the most commonly affected body parts.

Of the farmers who had a WMSD,

injury. Farmers blamed ‘general lifting/

pulling/pushing’ (50%), followed by animal handling (13%); trips and falls (12%) and use of ma-chinery, tools and imple-ments (11%) for the injuries.

Over €750m is lost to the Irish economy due to WMSD and many days are lost in farming too.

Over half of the farmers with a WMSD reported that they had lost entire

days where they were unable to work due to their WMSD.

On average, they lost a full week. Even more of those farmers who had suffered a WMSD said that they had many days when their work output was reduced because of the injury.

Large farmers mostly affectedFarmers who reported a WMSD

tended to have bigger business-es, farmed more hectares

of land, and had higher income than farmers

without a WMSD. Full-time farm-ers (12.4%) were twice as likely to report hav-ing a WMSD than part-time farms (6.2%).

Why those with larger farms and

working full-time should be

more likely to get injured was not

clear but it may be re-lated to the fact that they

are working more hours.

Case studiesAoife conducted three case studies, all dairy farmers, to explore how farmers with lower back pain (LBP) resulting from farm work were coping with the problem.

All farmers had experienced their

their late twenties or early thirties,

the onset of LBP usually occurs at approximately 30 years of age and symptoms peak between the ages of 45 and 60.

episode of LBP, they had all adopted work and lifestyle strategies to reduce their lower backpain.

Strategies included mechanising farm tasks and upgrading facilities but also making work changes like slowing down, avoiding certain work activities, not overdoing work and carrying smaller loads. This suggests that LBP can be reduced through improved management practices, both on and off the farm.

It’s unfortunate that these farmers had to suffer an injury before adopt-ing these health-promoting strategies.

Each of the case study farmers had

BEATINGback pain

New surveys have shown how common musculoskele-tal disorders are as a result of injuries on-farm

DID YOU KNOW?Almost 10% of farmers suffer a

WMSD each year. Larger scale farmers have a higher risk.

WMSDs are associated with pain and suffering and poor health. Such injuries cause incapacitation resulting in loss of farm work time.

You can prevent WMSDs by systematically ex-amining your farm for hazards and making key

management changes to eliminate hazards, such as heavy lifting and pushing, pull-

ing and ensuring that the farm work environment is safe.

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their own individual approach to preventing or managing their LBP. These included regularly swimming, the use of medication, the use of pain relieving activities such as applying ice, regularly visiting a health profes-sional, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor.

Prevention of WMSDsPrevention strategies related to minimising the risk of WMSDs are under-pinned by legislation covering all workplaces. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Manual Handling of Loads) Regulations 2007 outline the following steps: Conduct a risk assessment strategy

and identify any manual handling issues; Eliminate or reduce the hazards

associated with manual handling (lift-ing, pulling, pushing, twisting, etc).

Training is required on the Risk Assessment associated with manual handling and with how to lift cor-rectly. Training on how to lift without eliminating or reducing the associ-ated hazards has been shown to be largely ineffective, however. Training on how to eliminate or reduce manual handling hazards, as well as training

persons on correct lifting techniques has given much better results.

In other words, it is far better to eliminate the need for correct lifting than to have to constantly have to remind yourself to practise it. Of course, if lifting is needed, be sure to follow good practice — keeping your back straight, bending your knees, etc.

Teagasc services Teagasc has over 20 instructors trained in strategies to prevent WMSDs and prevention is an essential component of all Teagasc health and safety courses. Further information on WMSDs can be found in the Farm Safety Code of Practice at: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Agri-culture/

*Aoife Osborne recently successfully completed her PhD, which was support-ed by a Walsh Fellowship, on Occupa-tional Health of Farmers with particular reference to musculoskeletal disorders. The fellowship was jointly funded by Tea-gasc and the Health and Safety Authority and was supervised by UCD.

KEY POINTS

All work involving lifting and carrying should be examined and, ideally, reduced. Machinery and equipment such as loaders, forklifts, hydraulic jacks or pump systems should be used instead of physically lifting objects.

Access routes around the farm should be kept under constant review to prevent slipping and falling. Eliminate rough and un-even surfaces.

If possible, handle heavy items such as fertilizer, seed or meals in bulk using mechanical load-ers rather than moving bags by hand.

Use wheeled devices — such as trolleys, etc — to ease the load. Fit sliding doors as an alter-native to heavy swinging gates.

Livestock handling facilities should be designed to control livestock and reduce the load on a person.

Table 1: WMSDs among farm operators: body parts affected and attributed causes (sample = 103 farmers)

Body part affected %

Low back 32 (31)

Knee 15 (15)

Hip 12 (12)

Ankle/foot 8 (8)

Hand/wrist 7 (7)

Shoulder 6 (6)

Upper back 4 (4)

Neck 2 (2)

Elbow 1 (1)

Other 16 (16)

Table 2: Farm operators with WMSDs and resultant reduced productivity days (sample = 103 farmers)

Full days unable to work (%) 50% or less farm work (%)

1-3 days 19 (18.4) 9 (8.7)

4-7 days 13 (12.6) 19 (18.4)

8-14 days 4 (3.9) 13 (12.6)

15-30 days 8 (7.8) 23 (22.3)

31-180 days 14 (13.6) 22 (21.4)

> 180 days 1 (1.0) 4 (3.9)

59 (57.0) 90 (87.0)

LEFT: Aoife Osbourne says to let the machine take the strain.


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menvironment

MAIN PICTURE: Una Fitzpatrick, National Biodiversity Data Centre, searching for bees in the meadow at Birr Castle. B.Redmond

INSET: Small tortoiseshell. L.Lysaght

ABOVE: Bombus hortorum. L.Reed

Fascinating faunaAt a recent Teagasc seminar in Birr, Co Offaly, farmers heard about some of our hugely varied fauna. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Crops, Environment & Land Use Programme, summarises the information

Bats – Tina Aughney, Bat Conservation IrelandWe have nine species of bat in Ire-land. Bats hibernate from December to February to conserve fat reserves. From March to May they are hungry and active, moving from hibernation roosts to summer roosts.

Females gather during June, July and August and give birth to a single young. After September, bats leave their summer roosts, mating takes place and they prepare for hiberna-tion. All European bats use echoloca-tion, which involves rapidly repeated

They emit short, high frequency sounds and use the echoes to make a sound image of their environment.

Different species use different habi-tats. Leisler’s bats use open habitats. Daubenton’s bats are found along wa-tercourses. Pipistrelle bats use edge habitats while brown long-eared bats are found within closed habitats such as woodland.

Unpolluted watercourses provide richer diversity of insects for bats to feed on. Healthier watercourses lead to richer ecosystems. Wildlife habi-tats connected by well maintained

diversity.Hedgerows, treelines and scrub are

very important for bats, allowing them to travel safely across the land-scape. They are also important feed-ing areas as insects will gather on the

Mammals – Peter Turner, Mammals in a Sustainable EnvironmentThere are 64 species of Irish mam-mals. Small and medium-sized species

numbers, elusive and or nocturnal behaviour.

Mammals in a Sustainable Envi-ronment (MISE) is a project funded by the European Regional Develop-ment Fund under the Ireland Wales Programme 2007-2013. Survey work in Ireland will involve monitoring differ-

ent mammals including otters, pine martens, bats and squirrels.

Hedgehogs eat beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost any-thing they can catch living in parks, gardens and farmland. They have four

-tember and hibernate from November to Easter in a nest of leaves under bushes or logs. They travel about one to two kilometres each night.

The Irish stoat is sometimes called a ‘weasel’ though the true weasel does not occur here.

Its long slender body with short legs is reddish brown above and white be-low. They hunt along ditches, hedge-rows and walls as they don’t like to be out in the open.

Stoat feed mainly on rabbits, small mammals, birds, eggs and fruit. Male and female stoats live separately, marking their territories with scent.

invertebrates, water birds and, in spring, frogs. They have a territory of 20km of river which is marked with spraints.

A survey in 2004/’05 found that the otter is still widespread in Ireland but that numbers have fallen since 1990/91.

Bees – Una Fitzpatrick, National Biodiversity Data CentreThere are more than 20,000 bee spe-cies worldwide. Most are solitary; only about 5% are social bees. Ireland has 101 native bee species.

The largest bee in the world is Mega-chile puto (Wallaces’s Giant Bee), whose females can reach a length of 39mm and have a wingspan of 63mm. Males are only 23mm. In Ireland bees range from 5mm to 25mm.

Only females can sting. Female bumblebees and solitary bees can sting more than once.

The vast majority of bees don’t pro-duce honey but all bees are important

this is under threat.More than half of Ireland’s bee

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species have seen their populations decline since 1980. Three species have become extinct. Six species are criti-cally endangered, 10 are endangered and 14 are vulnerable.

The reason that bee numbers are dropping is the loss of habitats and

is vital that we maintain a healthy population and diversity of pollinator

most important. Allowing occasional

within routinely trimmed hedgerows provides an important source of pol-len for bees.

the season and others later.

habitats and have varying favourite food plants.

gardens, woodlands and hedgerows.

superbly coloured large eyespots.

Nettles are its favourite foodplant.As the cabbage plant is one of the fa-

vourite foodplants of the Large White

gardens, grassland and on woodland edges.

with watercress and wild cabbages as

late April to September in hedge-rows, meadows and grasslands. The underside of the wings have very pro-

mental indicators.Farmland is the main habitat for

land is one of the best habitats. Hedgerows are another important habitat.

under threat of extinction.Species under greatest threat are

Pearl-Borderd Fritillary, Small Blue,

Heath and Marsh Fritillary.One species, the Mountain Ring-

let, is now extinct, not having been

Scheme volunteers counted 51,759 but-


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mtillage

The Donegal

Poor weather increases the need for crop planning

MARTIN MCCULLOUGHTeagasc Drystock and Tillage Adviser,Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal

T

Table 1,

Plan for Success

Hugh Kelly


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mtillage

experience

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Hugh Kelly

Peter Lynch

James Robinson

Peter LynchPeter Lynch is a mixed tillage and drystock farmer and tills approxi-mately 105 acres of land in Garshuey, Newtown Cunningham. The majority of this is winter barley with some winter wheat and a small amount of spring barley. Peter has the machin-

as he is also a contractor.“I’ve been using the e-Crops pro-

gramme for the past three years, the information has to go down some-where and e-Crops is as good a system

for maintaining cross compliance records.’’

Peter also makes sure to soil sample

follow a ‘little and often’ policy, other-

out of chemical fertilizers.”Heavy rainfall means heavy disease

pressure and Peter says he sees his spray programme as preventative rather than curative and he sprays on time whenever a suitable window ap-pears. Applying PGR to winter crops gave a big boost to these crops in 2012. He also maintains that “even in a bad year with poor prices you should not cut back on your sprays as it is important to still get the most out of your crop.”

James RobinsonJames Robinson farms 105 acres in

Drumboy, Newtown Cunningham along the banks of Lough Swilly. His main crop is winter barley but he also grows winter wheat.

A contractor sows his crops with a one-pass system and also does the

are carried out by James. “I’ve been using e-Crops for a

number of years and it has given me

down to half or two-third rates, when conditions allow, without reducing

to target crops and even varieties

formed well in the past.James believes precise timing of

sprays is key. During the spring he maintains you should walk through your crops as much as you walk through stock, as that is the time of year when a crop can go from one growth stage to another in a few days.

“We have a manganese and zinc de-

are applied as foliar sprays to the crop canopy. Growth regulators also have a key role.”

TABLE 1: Growers’ survey resultCrop Average Yield (tonnes/acre) Range (tons/acre)

Spring Barley 2.42 1.01 – 3.18

Spring Oats 2.35 1.82 – 3.00

Winter Barley 2.60 1.62 – 3.69

Winter Wheat 3.32 2.59 – 4.10

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mforestry

CASE STUDY

Planning to plant?Planting land is no different than any other long-term invest-ment. Forestry has many attractive features but you need to know if it will work for you before you make that decision. Noel Kennedy and Frances McHugh, Teagasc Crops, Environment & Land Use Programme, give some pointers

-

see rates below

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-

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-

-

Further information

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Grant/PremiumCategory (GPC)

Farmer Non Farmer

GPC 1 Unenclosed 155 126GPC 2-Sitka spruce / lodge pole pine

369 181

GPC3- 10% Diverse 427 181GPC4- Diverse 454 181GPC 5- Broadleaves 481 195GPC 6- Oak 515 195GPC 7- Beech 515 195GPC 8- Alder 481 195

Afforestation scheme: premium rates per hectare (€/ha)

Tips on planting

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--

-To subscribe to the new Teagasc Forestry e-News simply click the link on www.teagasc.ie/forestry

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Tom and Kathleen Costelloe, Co Roscommon

the Costelloes became concerned about the potential cost of maintain-ing it in good agricultural condition.

Tom and Kathleen explored options for the land that would keep it work-ing, provide a steady income, be low maintenance and leave something valuable for the family.

With advice from their local Teagasc adviser, Michael Clogher, they decided to plant most of the heavier land and put the remaining land into REPS 4.

“We found Teagasc forestry open days very useful and Roscommon forestry adviser Noel Kennedy helped us greatly with detailed advice,” said Tom.

Being in REPS, the Costelloes were eligible to plant under FEPS which brought additional environmen-

premium on top of the afforestation premium.

“The process seemed straightfor-ward, and with the extra FEPS premi-um, it was very attractive,” said Tom. The land was planted in spring 2008 by registered forestry company Mid-Western Forestry Ltd for the grant, which also covers the maintenance of the plantation for four years.

Fours years on and the Costelloes are well pleased with their planta-tion’s progress.

“We are very happy we planted,” said Kathleen. “The land is being looked after, there is a good income and we enjoy the changing landscape and wildlife that it attracts. With ongoing management the plantation will produce a valuable crop of timber – a really worthwhile legacy for the family.”

Planted: 2008

Area: 19.55 hectares

Species: 15.49 hectares Sitka spruce and Japanese larch

4.06 hectares Oak, Alder (plus Ash, Whitethorn, Rowan)

Premium: €630 per hectare per annum*

*Includes €200 per hectare FEPS premium

Plantation details

Chalara Ashdieback diseaseChalara fraxinea Ash dieback dis-ease in Ireland has recently been

Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

damage and is linked to a consign-

continent in 2009. As a result, the

of immediate measures, including the removal and destruction of all Ash trees on the forest site in question and the tracing of all other trees from the consignment.

Emergency measures under the Plant Health Directive are also

been introduced by the Irish forest nursery trade.

about unusual ill-health in Ash by

For more information on Chalara

forestryKathleen and Tom Costelloewith son Stephen.


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mBotanic Gardens

Some simple steps can ensure a longer life for your winter indoor plants, writes Dorothy Hayden, Teagasc Education Pro-gramme, Botanic Gardens

For millennia, plants have been used in end-of-year rituals and we are following in that tradi-

tion as we decorate our homes with foliage and brightly coloured plants to brighten up living spaces.

Poinsettias are traditionally associ-ated with Christmas, as they produce brightly coloured, attractive bracts naturally at this time of year.

Many other species have found fa-vour over the years and sophisticated growing techniques are employed

timed precisely for this market. Cy-clamen, Christmas cactus, hyacinth, Christmas cherry, miniature rose, kalanchoe and azalia and chrysanthe-mum are popular choices.

growth requirements which the producer delivers to perfection. Our homes, on the other hand, do not, and the plants suffer. Stress symptoms include sudden leaf drop, poor leaf colour, tip burn, wilting, disease or

A few tips will help ensure a continu-ing attractive display throughout the Christmas period.

At this time of year, many plants are best placed where they will receive good light. Window sills might seem the obvious choice, but radiators are often located beneath windows and temperatures can be too high for many plants. Soil-free composts dry out quickly in such situations, neces-sitating frequent watering. Plants grow towards the light, so remember to turn them regularly to ensure up-right and overall balanced growth.

Low humidity, a feature of our cen-trally heated homes, is particularly damaging. Liberal use of a misting gun, or placing the plant pot on a bed of pebbles and almost covering them with water, will ensure some humid-ity around the plant. Replenish as needed.

Draughts are particularly problem-atic for pot plants. In a busy house-hold, avoid placing tender plants close

Mid-winter care ofseasonal pot plants

to entrance doors. Contrary to what you might expect, warm drafts are generally more harmful than cold, so avoid areas close to warm air vents or other heat sources.

Pot plants are often damaged by over-zealous watering. If the base of the pot sits in water for a period of time, roots die and fungal infection may occur. Once the surface of the compost dries out, lift up the pot to gauge water require-ments.

With peat and other soil-less com-posts, a light pot means you should water the plant. Infrequent but gener-ous applications, allowing the pot to drain freely afterwards, suits most plants. Succulents, such as Christmas cactus and kalanchoe, like to be kept on the dry side, while cyclamen and azalia need a lot of water.

Symptoms of too little water are leaf curl, often accompanied by dry brown edges. Older leaves turn yel-

easily.Leaf curl with tip burn, on the

other hand, is symptomatic of too much water. Green leaves may also be dropped. Flowers can develop

a musty smell.In order not to shock the plants,

never apply cold water straight from the tap. Allow the water to sit and

A daytime temperature of 180C to 210C 0C to 180C suits most of these plants; try

tuations. Cyclamen, miniature rose and azalia prefer somewhat cooler temperatures and these can be useful in an unheated room or conservatory which has frost protection.

Following these brief guidelines should help to ensure a healthier and long lasting seasonal display for you to enjoy this Christmas.

Cyclamen (above) and Poinsettias (right) are popular plant choices at Christmas.

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